Household dimensions of the family | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

In the realm of sociological research, the examination of the household dimension of the family is a pivotal undertaking. This analysis, rooted in empirical data collected from the village of Mahuwa, delves into the intricate fabric of Indian family structures. 

The Transition from Nuclear to Joint Families

One of the focal points of Desai's research is the transition from nuclear to joint families. Jointness is a dynamic process within the household cycle. A family assumes a joint structure when one or more sons marry and reside with their parents, or when parents continue to live with their married sons. Conversely, when married sons establish independent households and cohabit with their unmarried children, they become nuclear families.
This structural dimension of family is categorized by Desai as follows:

• Husband and wife.
• Unimember households.
• Husband, wife, and married sons without children and other unmarried children.
• The above group, with other relatives who do not contribute to generation depth.
• Three-generation groups of lineal descendants.
• Four or more generations of lineal descendants.

Desai's classification primarily focuses on understanding the composition of households based on generational and lineage combinations, with the house being the primary unit of analysis.

Factors Influencing Structural Changes in Families

Several factors can instigate changes in the structure of families. Desai identifies two broad categories of reasons for these changes: natural and circumstantial.

• Natural Reasons: These pertain to changes driven by the natural course of life. For example, married brothers or parents and married children may separate due to the marriage of an unmarried brother or son. Brothers may also separate after the death of their parents.
• Circumstantial Reasons: These changes are triggered by contingent situations in an individual's life. Examples include men initially residing with relatives such as maternal uncles and later establishing their own households, the departure or demise of other relatives living with the head of the family, or the head of the family leaving alone for business purposes.

Types of Jointness in Households

Desai's research meticulously categorizes households based on degrees, intensity, and orientation of jointness concerning functions and obligations. He identifies five types of households:

• Households with zero degree of jointness.
• Households of low degree jointness (joint due to fulfilling mutual obligations).
• Households with a high degree of jointness (joint due to common ownership of property).
• Households with a higher degree of jointness (marginally joint families).
• Households of the highest degree of jointness (traditional joint families).

According to Desai's findings, the majority of families in Mahuwa have evolved into structurally nuclear but functionally joint units. Specifically, 61 percent are nuclear families, while 39 percent exhibit varying degrees of jointness, as outlined above.

Beliefs and Perceptions on Joint Family System

• Desai's research reveals intriguing insights into people's beliefs and perceptions regarding the joint family system. Among the 423 respondents in his study, only 5 percent are not part of joint families. 
• Of these, 27 percent have low degrees of jointness, 17 percent have high degrees, 30 percent have higher degrees, and 21 percent have the highest degrees of jointness. 
• Moreover, 220 respondents unequivocally believe in jointness, while 24 have unconditional faith in separateness. Additionally, 51 respondents believe in jointness under certain conditions, while 58 express their preference for nuclear families with specific stipulations.

Complexity of Family Dynamics

• Beyond the structural and compositional aspects of families, Desai explores the complex web of relationships within households. 
• These relationships are influenced by factors such as age, gender, kinship status, education, occupational status, place of work, and power dynamics. 
• The intricate interplay of these elements adds depth and richness to the understanding of Indian family dynamics.

Regional Variations

• Desai's research underscores the existence of regional variations in household dimensions. Notably, higher education does not necessarily weaken multi-member households. 
• Since higher education is more prevalent among the upper and upper-middle castes, joint families tend to be more prevalent in these social strata compared to lower-caste and lower-class groups.

Functional Aspects of Jointness

In functional terms, jointness in households can be viewed as a structure of obligations among close kin. This structure of obligations shapes the dynamics of relationships and responsibilities within extended households.

Conclusion

The study of household dimensions of the family in India is a multifaceted exploration that goes beyond mere structural analysis. It delves into the complex web of relationships, beliefs, and regional variations that define the family landscape in India.